Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 1019
    Movement No: M'885'344
    Case No: 2’460’014, case interior stamped iii.68
    Model Name: Milgauss
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1580, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Later stainless-steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 78360, end links stamped 580, max overall length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 78360, H
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Milgauss reference 1019 is a Rolex sports model that today enjoys considerable prestige beyond its original intent. It is a watch that, due to its niche target market, was not considered a commercial success. Originally released in 1954, the Milgauss reference 6541 was designed to meet the needs of scientists and engineers working in a magnetic environment. Rolex worked in collaboration with the Conseil Européen de Recherche Nucléaire, or CERN, to develop a watch that could withstand strong magnetic fields. The model could withstand 1000 Gauss of magnetism with no effect on timekeeping precision. Along with its companion piece, the reference 6543, the two remained in production until the beginning of the 1960s when Rolex released the reference 1019 to replace these models.

    The reference 1019, likes its predecessors, featured a second inner case made of soft iron surrounding the movement. The new model was thinner and produced in stainless steel only. It remained in production until 1990. The present, well-preserved example stands out with its strong case and sharp lines with a smooth polished bezel, having in our opinion, never been polished. The beautiful silvered dial has luminous hands and hour markers with the model’s name boldly printed in red below the Rolex signature. The present wristwatch has a sophisticated mid-century modern aesthetic and offers great value while being a pleasure to wear.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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149

Ref. 1019
A well-preserved and attractive stainless steel anti-magnetic wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet

Circa 1968
40mm Diameter
Case dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$18,000 - 36,000 
CHF15,800-31,700
€16,900-33,700
HK$140,000-280,000

Sold for $27,940

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024